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0 In recent years, crafting has become increasingly popular as it has numerous health benefits for our physical and mental well-being.
In a survey of more than 3,500 knitters, The British Journal of Occupational Therapy stated that “81% of respondents with depression reported feeling happy after knitting”. So how exactly does crafting benefit you?
1. Social Aspects
Crafting can be a social activity that brings people together. Many communities offer library sessions and workshops where ideas can be shared. These sessions are helpful at reducing loneliness and isolation. In fact, some doctors even suggest joining such groups as they can also help with depression and dementia symptoms.
2. Healthy minds
Crafting is well known to keep your mind healthy, as activities can involve problem-solving and spatial awareness skills. The mind is given an extra boost by introducing and learning new techniques which help to stimulate the brain.
3. Enhanced sleep
The repetitive nature of some crafting activities, such as completing a knitting kit, has been found to calm the brain. As crafting often replaces technology before bedtime, the reduction of blue light from screen time also contributes to a good night’s sleep.
4. Exercise for the whole body
You might not realise this, but crafting engages various muscle groups, providing a gentle workout for the whole body. Hands, fingers, arms and shoulders all move when working on a craft, such as completing a knitting kit.
The repetitive motions and focus required can serve as a distraction from chronic pain and other health issues. Those that regularly take part in crafting also have better hand-eye coordination.
5. Hand workout
For people who have suffered strokes, crafting can help with both cognitive and physical rehabilitation, and ‘hand memory’ patterns can be triggered in patients that have poor hand mobility.
Crafting is not only popular but also offers a range of benefits for individuals of all ages. Whether this is for stress relief, improving cognitive development, or simply as a way to meet other like-minded individuals, crafting is an enjoyable and rewarding activity.
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